[In Pictures] Dinesh Karthik's unorthodox DRS masterstroke forces umpire to reverse decision in SA 20 2025 

Paarl Royals wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik used his presence of mind to save his side a run and an extra delivery by utilizing the finer aspect of the Decision Review System (DRS). The veteran player implored skipper David Miller to go for a review after the umpire had adjudged a wide in the clash against the MI Cape Town in SA20 2025 on Monday, January 13.

During the 18th over of the first innings bowled by Lungi Ngidi, batter Delano Potgieter attempted a flick against a delivery outside leg but missed. Karthik was convinced that the ball had made contact with the pad and challenged the on-field umpire's wide call.

Unlike in the IPL, there is no provision to use a review to challenge extras in the SA20. However, the Paarl Royals used the review for an LBW call. While the ball was a long way from hitting the stumps, the replays through the review proved that the ball had made contact with the bat, and hence the wide decision was overturned.

The Paarl Royals ended up losing a review because the LBW call returned as not out, but they were able to save a run and a ball with this smart approach.

Dinesh Karthik, who announced his retirement from international cricket and the IPL, became the first Indian player to play in the SA20 League. He made his debut in the nie-wicket win over defending champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape (January 11) but did not avail an opportunity to bat.

Dinesh Karthik was run out for just 2 in his maiden SA20 innings

The Paarl Royals lost the plot in the run chase after a fiery start against the MI Cape Town on Monday. They collapsed to 69-5 from 53-1 after MI posted a target of 173. Coming in at No. 7, Karthik had a huge task but was run out for two runs after a mix-up with Bjorn Fortuin in the 13th over.

Paarl were reduced to 78-7 after Karthik's dismissal. However, they had a strong finish to repair their net run rate and batted out the 20 overs to finish at 139-9. MI Cape Town won by 33 runs to climb to the top of the points table.